Initially, some congregants tried to put the fire out themselves for fear of several holy items getting damaged, including scrolls, Yaghobian told Eyewitness News.

"The firefighters with the police, they brought out our holy books and we got to see they're all okay. Again and again and again, I thank God for the miracle that no one was hurt and that no holy article was damaged," said Rabbi Yaghobian. "I really want to thank the firefighters and the police for their bravery, for their sensitivity and their understanding. They were willing to jump in there."

Nearly 300 families worship at the synagogue. Soot and water now cover the floor. The building is not usable.